The cut of a diamond is the main ingredient in determining how much brilliance and fire that diamond will have. There is a strict range of proportions that a diamond's cut has to meet in order for that diamond to exude maximum brilliance and fire it is capable of. Although different jewelers have different perception of what ideal proportions are, there are certain ranges which are accepted as ideal by all. Generally, in order for these ideal proportions to be met, there is a greater weight loss than if the diamond was to be cut to retain the maximum weight, therefore better cut diamonds cost more money.

There is no one particular measurement which dictates a diamond grading but rather it is a combination of factors that determine the cut grade. The main factors that are considered are depth percentage, table percentage, polish grade and symmetry grade and minor factors include pavilion angles, crown angles, girdle thickness etc…. The description below for depth percentage and table percentage is only for round brilliant diamonds.

Depth percentage is the total depth, table-to-culet, of a round brilliant diamond divided by its average diameter. It is very important for the diamond to have its depth percentage be in a certain range otherwise one of the two cases occur:

It is important to remember that the cut grade is the most important factor in the amount of brilliance, scintillation and fire a diamond has. However to what extent? The difference between an ideal cut diamond and very good exists but it is minor. For individuals who are looking for the best they should only consider our ideal plus or the ideal cut. However, the very good and the good cut offer excellent value for the money and still offer very good scintillation and brilliance in a diamond.

•  So for the idealist, stick with our ideal plus or the ideal cut grade only.

•  For people looking for good value, consider purchasing very good or good cut diamonds. With little loss in brilliance and scintillation these diamonds offer the best value.